Claudia Schiffer

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Though junior high is never easy, we were particularly lucky to go through that crucible in the early nineties. Our impressionable tween and early teen years were spent in an excellent era: we basically grew up with email, saw the original 90210 in real time, and got to watch Tom Ford take over and transform Gucci into an ultra-edgy brand. But more importantly than tech advances or fashion house revamps, our formative period took place when the original "supers"-Cindy, Linda, Christy, Naomi, and today's subject, Claudia-ruled the world.These single-name stunners were business savvy and broad-shouldered, commanded the catwalks and magazine covers with equal aplomb, and had impossibly glamorous hair, as well as personality to spare. Of all the supers, we thought that Ms. Schiffer seemed like a particularly appropriate choice for a What Would She Wear story, as she's back on the modeling scene and looks better than ever. That's right, between her recent campaigns for Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo (both Fall 08), Dolce & Gabbana (Resort 09), and her upcoming star turn in Yves Saint Laurent's Spring 09 campaign, Schiffer's comeback is certain.

Aside from her professional accolades, the German beauty's impeccable personal style is consistently impressive. While she usually chooses striking, elegant gowns for red carpet events or turns up in ladylike ensembles for less formal occasions (think: knee-length skirts, girly tucked-in blouses, and classic belts), we think Schiffer's casual off-duty outfits are the most compelling.

Often spotted strolling London's damp streets, Schiffer showcases her sophisticated, slightly seventies, polished bohemian taste. On these outings, we've seen her in pretty paisley dresses worn with opaques and flats, bow-tie blouses paired with skinny jeans and moccasin booties, and expertly layered chunky knits. Accessory-wise, she usually can be found in an oversized Jackie-O-inspired set of shades, carrying a long-strap structured bag, and with a print scarf tied around her neck. Accordingly, we sleuthed out some similarly relaxed-yet-refined pieces as an ode to our muse. Read on for the results of our quest and all the items' information!

1. Cordani Tate Ankle Boots($451)
While we found many different shoe styles that could have worked for Schiffer's What Would She Wear story (like the Amore Fringe Lace Boot ($160) or a classic pair of Minnetonka Fringe Bootie ($41.50), which are currently on sale), but ultimately we decided upon some simple Cordani boots. The double buckle at the ankle is the sort of subtle detail that Schiffer favors, while the low heel and rounded toe are a nod to her practicality.

2. Forever 21 Jada Fur Vest ($33)
Whether it's a furry cream gilet or a thickly woven, short-sleeved sweater, Schiffer loves to layer, so this faux fur vest is in perfect keeping with her style. Wear it in a CS-sort of way and throw it on over a long-sleeved turtleneck in a rich color, like eggplant or burnt orange.

3. Topshop Gold Button Trousers ($80)
When it comes to pants, our subject sticks to lean styles, but tries a range of lengths and will play with few different cuts. These high-waisted trousers would be a fresh addition to Schiffer's stable of pantalones, as they're ankle-grazing (very of the moment), a bit relaxed in the thigh, and still have that narrow leg she loves so much.

4. Balenciaga Orange and Translucent Sunglasses ($419)
No doubt Schiffer would look swell in any style of sunglasses, but we've noticed that her go-to frames are slightly oversized and softly squarish. As such, we went for this pair of orange dappled Balenciaga shades, as they are a modern update to this classic look.

5. ASOS Leather Retro Push Lock Across Body Bag ($103)
We knew we needed to find either a structured Hermes Birkin/Kelly bag style or something long-strapped and slightly seventies. The latter won out when we found this beautiful blue-gray satchel, as it has the retro lines and luxe look of many of Schiffer's current totes.

6. Vince Portrait Collar Cardigan ($280)
It was hard to resist including this ribbed cardi in our roundup, so we didn't! The dramatic collar is tempered by sweater's soft neutral hue and we could completely envision Schiffer adoring its long, trim lines.

7. Heritage 1981 Silk Floral Top ($25)
Schiffer tends to incorporate at least one print or pattern into most of her outfits, usually via a scarf or some sort of girly shirt. This dainty floral silk top, complete with a ruffled bodice, has the right look, not to mention an excellent price too!